DREDGE for Windows

Single-player fishing SIM platform

DREDGE is a first-person fishing game designed for single players. It offers numerous unique environments, as well as many different species of fish to catch while players progress. It has an intriguing backstory, though it lacks an online co-op gameplay mode.

Based on principles associated with similar games, including Fishing SIM, DREDGE offers additional features. They include the ability to explore a mysterious archipelago and search for long-lost treasures. Therefore, this game involves much more than fishing alone.

All is not what it appears to be

The plot of DREDGE initially appears rather innocuous. Players will have to perform various tasks, such as trawling for crabs and casting pots into the water. As the storyline progresses, users will notice much darker and more sinister undertones.

Equipment upgrades

A certain portion of this game will involve resource farming. This is actually necessary in order to upgrade the boat with items such as radar, compasses, and more powerful engines. Likewise, some fields of an onboard puzzle will need to be filled in before users can progress to different environments.

Collectibles and deep sea wonders

There are more than 125 species of marine organisms to eventually discover, as well as hidden loot that players can search for. Each region also offers a number of in-game quests, which provide an opportunity to earn more points and obtain skill upgrades.

Darker Atmosphere and Nighttime Horrors 

DREDGE not only provides a relaxing fishing experience during the day but also introduces darker and more mysterious elements at night. The game exhibits Lovecraftian horror as the sun sets, transforming the tranquil setting into one filled with ominous threats and monstrous creatures. As the panic meter increases, players will encounter hallucinations, shadow ships, and enormous monsters that emerge from the depths.

Inventory Management and Puzzling Challenges

The game also incorporates inventory management into its gameplay, as players must efficiently arrange their catch of different shapes and sizes in the boat's tiled inventory. This puzzling aspect requires players to strategize and decide how much they want to deplete each fishing spot before moving on. Moreover, materials for upgrading the boat need to be fished up and managed, adding another layer to the challenge.

Relics, Mystical Abilities, and Panic Management

DREDGE's storyline revolves around collecting relics scattered across four surrounding islands. These relics grant the player mystical abilities, such as enhanced speed while sailing. However, using these powers increases the panic meter, leading to terrifying encounters and hallucinations at night. Players can mitigate the panic with skill books and additional lights on the boat, but the fear never truly dissipates, creating a thrilling experience.

Aberrated Fish Variations and Art Direction

The game features distorted, aberrated variations of fish that range from multi-eyed creatures to horrifying skates with corroded skin and unhinged jaws. These twisted forms add to the game's darker atmosphere and are stunningly crafted, showcasing the brilliant art direction.

Immersive Storytelling and Exploration

DREDGE tells its story through NPC dialogues, message bottles, and intriguing side quests found on small islands. The game encourages exploration and immersion by not tracking quests on the map, forcing players to rely on their instincts, memory, and landmarks to navigate. Despite its relatively short completion time of 10 to 15 hours, DREDGE offers an engaging experience for players who appreciate horror and fishing mini-games combined.

A fishing simulator with a twist

While DREDGE can be classified as a fishing SIM, many exploration-related elements mirror other action-oriented RPGs, such as Outer Wilds. In other words, the developers of this game seem to have been able to straddle the fence between open-world adventure and goal-oriented quests. Note that at least one gigabyte of free memory is recommended.